Whoo Hoo! It’s July. America we’ve had some great celebrations over the past few days. We’ve celebrated our 239^th birthday! Congratulations America!

July is also the month when the weather begins to turn unbearably hot. Just look at a weather map from the nation and you’ll see the temperatures rise. Phew! July can be a scorcher!

To bring some relief from the parties and hot weather, I decided to try some Christmas in July tunes this month. You realize that Christmas is just around the corner. You surely don’t want it to sneak up on you!

When I heard the song I’ll share with you today, I was touched by the simplicity. The play on words. The desire to be closer to Jesus during the busy Christmas season. And yes, the guilt. Right? Because there is so much to do during the Christmas season. Sometimes we are just too busy to find the joy of being in Jesus’ presence.

So I’m beginning today. Being in Jesus’ presence isn’t just a Christmas thing. Nope. We are to experience it all year long. If I regularly practice being in Jesus’ presence throughout the year, I’ll be more apt to keep it going through the Christmas season. Maybe you need to do the same.

Now don’t get me wrong. I spend time with Jesus every day. But sometimes I’m rushed. Sometimes I’m distracted. Sometimes I’m too busy to let the presence of Jesus wash over me. So I want to be more aware of His presence. I want to experience all that He has to offer. I want to be present in the moment. With Jesus.

Today as we begin the countdown to Christmas (and believe it or not, there are some of my friends who have started this countdown long ago), let’s plan to be engaged in our relationship with Jesus. Let’s not just talk the talk, let’s walk the walk.

As you read through the lyrics of this Christmas melody and listen to the beauty of its harmony, I pray that you too will desire to be in Jesus’ presence on a regular basis and to be fully engaged in His presence. If we start now, we will be ready for Christmas this year.

“Your Presence”

In the busy Christmas noise,

All the bells the lights, the toys,

I have found you are the only source of comfort and joy.

Lord, I want your presence for Christmas

I want your presence for Christmas,

I long to feel your Spirit speaking peace to my heart.

Of all the gifts I may receive,

There’s only one I really need,

And it’s your presence, your presence for Christmas.

When the holiday is through

And the year is fresh and new,

All that lingers are the moments, my Lord

Spent worshiping you.

Lord, I want your presence for Christmas

I want your presence for Christmas,

I long to feel your Spirit speaking peace to my heart.

Of all the gifts I may receive,

There’s only one I really need,

And it’s your presence, your presence for Christmas.[i]

Click here to listen to The Sisters perform “Your Presence.”

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “Your Presence,” unknown author.